Tara Ellis's Blog: Making Progress, page 17
September 4, 2014
The Art of Getting [Honest] Reviews. (oh, and Bloodline is free!)
Okay. So I have now been in the game long enough to understand just a little bit about what it takes to be successful.
The first and most obvious is that you must have a good story. I honestly believe that I have that. Is it best-seller material, or is it going to change the world? Probably not, but I think it's good. At least, good enough to entertain people, which is what my goal as a writer is, so in this area I feel that I am a success. ;)
I've made mistakes. But hey, I've never published a book before, so I think I'm entitled to a few. The biggest one was thinking that I could edit my own work. I know, I know...EVERY self-help article out there tells every aspiring writer NOT to make that mistake. I compare it to the child who has to skin his knee before listening to the parent. My knees weren't too badly scraped, but it did hurt a little bit.
My other mistake was making my own cover. Now, both professional editors and cover designers don't come cheap. I, like many other indie authors, didn't have any extra cash lying around to fund these endeavors and so I thought that my creative energy could carry my through. It (the old cover) really wasn't that horrible. I mean, I've seen worse. Much worse. But it certainly looked home-made and that, right there, is an instant killer. Instant.
My biggest lesson (and the slowest to learn) was the one about reviews. I need them. We ALL need them. So how in the hell do you get them?! I wasn't going to PAY for them! (I still won't. It's a pride thing) But I finally realized that giving a free copy of my book to someone to review it (honestly) was NOT the same as paying for it. I like to think of myself as intelligent, but I was slow to grasp this concept. I'm getting there.
Unfortunately, I am NOT a social butterfly. So aside from a couple of family members and a few REALLY nice friends, the whole word-of-mouth and social media plight is all up to me. I'm not that good at it. I have a much easier time promoting someone else, than I do myself.
I seriously only had a private Facebook account when I started this. I even had my first book, Bloodline on Booktango and NOTHING else. I finally realized after finishing the second book in the trilogy, that Booktango was NOT the best option. I finally came up for air from writing and started thinking about promoting myself, because...*gasp* my book was NOT selling itself. (I was SUCH a newb)
The Amazon breakthrough artist contest was the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn't make it past the first round, but it compelled me to go back to my first book (Bloodline) and do a VERY hard edit, switch to KDP and look into what I was doing wrong. I also met some incredible people.
So here I am, about six months later, and I am on Goodreads, Goodkindles, have a blog, google, twitter, Pinterest, etc. I had someone that could actually EDIT go through Bloodline, Heritage and I'm paying them to do my third and last book, Descent. My biggest move was having professional covers designed and I absolutely LOVE them. (Melchelledesigns)
I will let you in on a secret: I sold all of my CPR equipment to fund both my writing and my photography escapades. I was always just teaching classes for free a couple times a year, and the rest of the time it all sat under my house, so why not?
The photography has taken off and I'm actually making money off it, without trying all that hard. You see...I'm still obsessed with my books. Now that I finished Descent, I'm hoping I will allow myself to take a break. I've been writing pretty much non-stop for a year-and-a-half. (between outlines, writing and editing)
NOW...I just need reviews so that I can get people to click-through to make that purchase. Which is why I'm running a free promo this weekend for Bloodline. I don't have enough reviews to make it onto the bigger sites and that's killing me.
SO here's to good writing, smart marketing, HONEST reviews and a little bit of luck!
OH..and if you wouldn't mind helping me to spread the word: Bloodline is FREE right now until 9/7. :)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ILPL7K8
The first and most obvious is that you must have a good story. I honestly believe that I have that. Is it best-seller material, or is it going to change the world? Probably not, but I think it's good. At least, good enough to entertain people, which is what my goal as a writer is, so in this area I feel that I am a success. ;)
I've made mistakes. But hey, I've never published a book before, so I think I'm entitled to a few. The biggest one was thinking that I could edit my own work. I know, I know...EVERY self-help article out there tells every aspiring writer NOT to make that mistake. I compare it to the child who has to skin his knee before listening to the parent. My knees weren't too badly scraped, but it did hurt a little bit.
My other mistake was making my own cover. Now, both professional editors and cover designers don't come cheap. I, like many other indie authors, didn't have any extra cash lying around to fund these endeavors and so I thought that my creative energy could carry my through. It (the old cover) really wasn't that horrible. I mean, I've seen worse. Much worse. But it certainly looked home-made and that, right there, is an instant killer. Instant.
My biggest lesson (and the slowest to learn) was the one about reviews. I need them. We ALL need them. So how in the hell do you get them?! I wasn't going to PAY for them! (I still won't. It's a pride thing) But I finally realized that giving a free copy of my book to someone to review it (honestly) was NOT the same as paying for it. I like to think of myself as intelligent, but I was slow to grasp this concept. I'm getting there.
Unfortunately, I am NOT a social butterfly. So aside from a couple of family members and a few REALLY nice friends, the whole word-of-mouth and social media plight is all up to me. I'm not that good at it. I have a much easier time promoting someone else, than I do myself.
I seriously only had a private Facebook account when I started this. I even had my first book, Bloodline on Booktango and NOTHING else. I finally realized after finishing the second book in the trilogy, that Booktango was NOT the best option. I finally came up for air from writing and started thinking about promoting myself, because...*gasp* my book was NOT selling itself. (I was SUCH a newb)
The Amazon breakthrough artist contest was the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn't make it past the first round, but it compelled me to go back to my first book (Bloodline) and do a VERY hard edit, switch to KDP and look into what I was doing wrong. I also met some incredible people.
So here I am, about six months later, and I am on Goodreads, Goodkindles, have a blog, google, twitter, Pinterest, etc. I had someone that could actually EDIT go through Bloodline, Heritage and I'm paying them to do my third and last book, Descent. My biggest move was having professional covers designed and I absolutely LOVE them. (Melchelledesigns)
I will let you in on a secret: I sold all of my CPR equipment to fund both my writing and my photography escapades. I was always just teaching classes for free a couple times a year, and the rest of the time it all sat under my house, so why not?
The photography has taken off and I'm actually making money off it, without trying all that hard. You see...I'm still obsessed with my books. Now that I finished Descent, I'm hoping I will allow myself to take a break. I've been writing pretty much non-stop for a year-and-a-half. (between outlines, writing and editing)
NOW...I just need reviews so that I can get people to click-through to make that purchase. Which is why I'm running a free promo this weekend for Bloodline. I don't have enough reviews to make it onto the bigger sites and that's killing me.
SO here's to good writing, smart marketing, HONEST reviews and a little bit of luck!
OH..and if you wouldn't mind helping me to spread the word: Bloodline is FREE right now until 9/7. :)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ILPL7K8
August 24, 2014
I Need Beta readers!
I have recently finished the third book in the Forgotten Origins Trilogy, Descent and I am looking for some Beta Readers!
If you are interested, let me know ASAP!
If you are interested, let me know ASAP!
August 15, 2014
Descent cover reveal soon!
Good morning!
I am both excited and sad to be coming to the end of my trilogy, The forgotten Origins. Descent, book #3 is set to be released before the end of September!
It may sound odd, but I have come to know my characters so well that I will miss having them (and their conversations) in my head all the time. :)
I just saw the proof for Descent's cover and I LOVE it! I really hope that YOU do too. I will be revealing it any day now, so stay tuned!
(I am also actively seeking beta readers, so drop me a note if you're interested.)
I am both excited and sad to be coming to the end of my trilogy, The forgotten Origins. Descent, book #3 is set to be released before the end of September!
It may sound odd, but I have come to know my characters so well that I will miss having them (and their conversations) in my head all the time. :)
I just saw the proof for Descent's cover and I LOVE it! I really hope that YOU do too. I will be revealing it any day now, so stay tuned!
(I am also actively seeking beta readers, so drop me a note if you're interested.)
July 21, 2014
Vote for Bloodline!
Well, Bloodline
has made it into a BOTM August poll. I have gotten ten votes so far (in spite of having my very old, un-attractive cover up for the first several days)
I am unfortunately up against some VERY popular titles, but it would be nice to get a few more votes! :)
vote here: https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1...
Thank you!
has made it into a BOTM August poll. I have gotten ten votes so far (in spite of having my very old, un-attractive cover up for the first several days)I am unfortunately up against some VERY popular titles, but it would be nice to get a few more votes! :)
vote here: https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1...
Thank you!
July 14, 2014
Nature's Tapestry - kindle countdown
My book, Nature's Tapestry
Is on a Kindle Countdown Deal! Get it for the next day or so for just .99, before it goes up to 1.99 and then it's normal 2.99!
This is a collection of my favorite natural digital photography. The hard copy is, of course better, because we are talking about pictures here...but the ebook version is a great option for viewing.
Hint: Double-tap the image to enlarge it and view it even better!
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Tara-Ellis-Phot...
Is on a Kindle Countdown Deal! Get it for the next day or so for just .99, before it goes up to 1.99 and then it's normal 2.99!
This is a collection of my favorite natural digital photography. The hard copy is, of course better, because we are talking about pictures here...but the ebook version is a great option for viewing.
Hint: Double-tap the image to enlarge it and view it even better!
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Tara-Ellis-Phot...
June 26, 2014
New, Professional cover release for Bloodline!
I found an amazing graphic artist at Melchelle Designs and I couldn't be happier with what she made!
This cover captures everything perfectly. I had high hopes when I finally took the plunge to get a quote/proof after seeing some of her work. But this cover far exceeded my expectations.
Mel was kind enough to blog about it on her site: http://msfowle.wordpress.com/2014/06/...
The new cover is live for the ebook, but it will be a bit before it shows up on the search here on Goodreads, through CreateSpace.
[ETA: New cover is now visible here!]
Here is the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ILPL7K8
I don't how to embed an image here...but if I figure it out, I'll update this! :)
This cover captures everything perfectly. I had high hopes when I finally took the plunge to get a quote/proof after seeing some of her work. But this cover far exceeded my expectations.
Mel was kind enough to blog about it on her site: http://msfowle.wordpress.com/2014/06/...
The new cover is live for the ebook, but it will be a bit before it shows up on the search here on Goodreads, through CreateSpace.
[ETA: New cover is now visible here!]
Here is the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ILPL7K8
I don't how to embed an image here...but if I figure it out, I'll update this! :)
May 5, 2014
Heritage is FREE!
For 48 hours, Heritage will be **FREE**!
Tuesday and Wednesday (5/6-5/7)
I'm using up my last two free promo days before I finish Descent later this summer. So get it now for FREE while you can!
http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Book-F...
Tuesday and Wednesday (5/6-5/7)
I'm using up my last two free promo days before I finish Descent later this summer. So get it now for FREE while you can!
http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Book-F...
April 30, 2014
Price point? ARGH!!!!
Yeah, so this whole "Sell it at 0.99 cents to create a HUGE boost in sales", isn't going so well.
I have spent ten times as much on ads than I have made so far. To be precise: 40$ in ads has equated to FIVE downloads in almost as many days. I made more than that with ONE sale in a whole week at 2.99/ea.
Maybe my readers are like me: When I see an ebook at 0.99, unless it is a big sale from a well known writer, I figure its cheap because...well, the book is cheap. As in not worth more than a dollar. I pass them over.
SO I think I will call this experiment a failure. Perhaps I need more patience, but I just have a strong feeling that this is NOT the price point I want or need to be at. Sale will be over by the end of the day. :)
I have spent ten times as much on ads than I have made so far. To be precise: 40$ in ads has equated to FIVE downloads in almost as many days. I made more than that with ONE sale in a whole week at 2.99/ea.
Maybe my readers are like me: When I see an ebook at 0.99, unless it is a big sale from a well known writer, I figure its cheap because...well, the book is cheap. As in not worth more than a dollar. I pass them over.
SO I think I will call this experiment a failure. Perhaps I need more patience, but I just have a strong feeling that this is NOT the price point I want or need to be at. Sale will be over by the end of the day. :)
April 24, 2014
Books are now .99!
I continue to work with and learn this big machine called Amazon. :)
In addition to experimenting with the different programs and giveaways available, I am also trying to find the right price point. SO...I am dropping the price on all my fiction books from 2.99 to .99. I don't know yet how long I will keep them there, it all depends on how it goes.
Honestly, I am having a hard time generating sales and I hope that this will help. I know a big part of this is social media and advertising and I continue to work in these areas too!
So wish me luck in getting the titles out there in front of the right audience!
Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bloodline-Forgo...
In addition to experimenting with the different programs and giveaways available, I am also trying to find the right price point. SO...I am dropping the price on all my fiction books from 2.99 to .99. I don't know yet how long I will keep them there, it all depends on how it goes.
Honestly, I am having a hard time generating sales and I hope that this will help. I know a big part of this is social media and advertising and I continue to work in these areas too!
So wish me luck in getting the titles out there in front of the right audience!
Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bloodline-Forgo...
April 14, 2014
TWO Free Ebooks
A head's up that BOTH of my YA sci-fi books are free right now until midnight.
BLOODLINE:
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodline-The-F...
HERITAGE
http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Book-F...
These are book#1 and book#2 in 'The Forgotten Origins Trilogy'.
As always, I would LOVE any feedback!!
BLOODLINE:
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodline-The-F...
HERITAGE
http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Book-F...
These are book#1 and book#2 in 'The Forgotten Origins Trilogy'.
As always, I would LOVE any feedback!!
Making Progress
Just a little update!
As I shared in my last post, the adiobook for The Mystery of Hollow Inn is out! It's been about three weeks now and so far, I have gotten six very favorable reviews, so I've gaine ...more
As I shared in my last post, the adiobook for The Mystery of Hollow Inn is out! It's been about three weeks now and so far, I have gotten six very favorable reviews, so I've gaine ...more
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